Update - McLaren escape punishment
The FIA has found McLaren guilty of unauthorised possession of secret Ferrari information but it has decided not to impose penalties because there was insufficient evidence that is was used in its cars.In a statement after a meeting of its council the...
The FIA has found McLaren guilty of unauthorised possession of secret Ferrari information but it has decided not to impose penalties because there was insufficient evidence that is was used in its cars.
In a statement after a meeting of its council the FIA said:
"The WMSC is satisfied that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes was in possession of confidential Ferrari information and is therefore in breach of article 151c of the International Sporting Code. However, there is insufficient evidence that this information was used in such a way as to interfere improperly with the FIA Formula One World Championship. We therefore impose no penalty.
“But if it is found in the future that the Ferrari information has been used to the detriment of the championship, we reserve the right to invite Vodafone McLaren Mercedes back in front of the WMSC where it will face the possibility of exclusion from not only the 2007 championship but also the 2008 championship.
“The WMSC will also invite Mr Stepney and Mr Coughlan to show reason why they should not be banned from international motor sport for a lengthy period and the WMSC has delegated authority to deal with this matter to the legal department of the FIA.” In comments when he left the FIA headquarters McLaren CEO Ron Dennis said: "The process has been long and detailed. Although I'm not completely comfortable with the outcome, the punishment fits the crime."
In a statement after a meeting of its council the FIA said:
"The WMSC is satisfied that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes was in possession of confidential Ferrari information and is therefore in breach of article 151c of the International Sporting Code. However, there is insufficient evidence that this information was used in such a way as to interfere improperly with the FIA Formula One World Championship. We therefore impose no penalty.
“But if it is found in the future that the Ferrari information has been used to the detriment of the championship, we reserve the right to invite Vodafone McLaren Mercedes back in front of the WMSC where it will face the possibility of exclusion from not only the 2007 championship but also the 2008 championship.
“The WMSC will also invite Mr Stepney and Mr Coughlan to show reason why they should not be banned from international motor sport for a lengthy period and the WMSC has delegated authority to deal with this matter to the legal department of the FIA.” In comments when he left the FIA headquarters McLaren CEO Ron Dennis said: "The process has been long and detailed. Although I'm not completely comfortable with the outcome, the punishment fits the crime."